The Stranahan House -- built in 1901 by the father of Fort Lauderdale, Frank Stranahan, and his wife, one-time schoolteacher Ivy Cromartie-Stranahan -- has served at one time or another as a trading post, community center, post office, restaurant, bank, and home. Restored in 1984 to the original plans of the early 1900s, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Stranahan, a noted businessman and friend of the Seminole tribe, was originally from Ohio and moved to what is now Fort Lauderdale in 1893. Well-liked and respected in his community, it would be over his financial woes and despondence regarding the land boom collapse of the '20s that he'd eventually take his life by drowning himself in the New River in front of his home. And that's where you'll find the Original River Ghost Tour kicking off every Sunday night with an hourlong boat ride down the New River with similarly spooky tales of the spirits and the great beyond.
The Original River Ghost Tour sets sail from the Historic Stranahan House, 335 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, every Sunday night at 7:30. Reservations are required. The cost is $25 per person, which includes a visit inside the historic home. Call 954-524-4736.
Sun., Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m., 2014